Int J Sports Med 2004; 25(1): 1-5
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-45238
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© Georg Thieme Verlag · Stuttgart · New York

Effects of 24 Weeks of Whole Body Vibration Training on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Untrained Females

M. Roelants1 , C. Delecluse1 , M. Goris1 , S. Verschueren2
  • 1Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
  • 2Laboratory of Motor Control, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: October 10, 2003

Publication Date:
29 January 2004 (online)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate and to compare the effect of 24 weeks “whole body vibration” training and fitness training on body composition and on muscle strength. Forty-eight untrained females (21.3 ± 2.0 yr) participated in the study. The whole body vibration group (N = 18) performed unloaded static and dynamic exercises on a vibration platform (35 - 40 Hz, 2.5 - 5.0 mm; Power Plate®). The fitness group (N = 18) followed a standard cardiovascular (15 - 40 min) and resistance training program including dynamic leg press and leg extension exercises (20 - 8 RM). Both groups trained 3 times weekly. The control group (N = 12) did not participate in any training. Body composition was determined by means of underwater weighing. Additionally 12 skinfolds were assessed. Isometric (0°/s) and isokinetic (50°/s, 100°/s, 150°/s) knee-extensor strength was measured by means of a motor-driven dynamometer (Technogym®). Over 24 weeks there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in weight, in percentage body fat, nor in skinfold thickness in any of the groups. Fat free mass increased significantly in the whole body vibration group (+ 2.2 %) only. A significant strength gain was recorded in the whole body vibration group (24.4 ± 5.1 %; 5.9 ± 2.1 %; 8.3 ± 4.4 %; 7.6 ± 1.5 %) and in the fitness group (16.5 ± 1.7 %; 12.0 ± 2.7 %; 10.4 ± 2.3 %; 10.2 ± 1.9 %), at 0°/s, 50°/s, 100°/s and 150°/s respectively. In conclusion, 24 weeks whole body vibration training did not reduce weight, total body fat or subcutaneous fat in previously untrained females. However, whole body vibration training induces a gain in knee-extensor strength combined with a small increase in fat free mass. The gain in strength is comparable to the strength increase following a standard fitness training program consisting of cardiovascular and resistance training.

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Ph.D. Christophe Delecluse

Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy

Tervuursevest 101

3001 Leuven

Belgium

Phone: + 3216329076

Fax: + 32 16 32 91 97

Email: christophe.delecluse@flok.kuleuven.ac.be